Flights in Dreams and in Reality

Flights in Dreams and in Reality

Year: 1982

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: Russian

Director: Roman Balayan

Drama

On the eve of his fortieth wedding anniversary, Sergei Makarov reflects on a life he feels has achieved nothing. He cannot find happiness and has failed to bring joy to his wife, his young mistress, his friends, or his career. The film depicts men of the stagnation era—gifted yet infantile—who never discover or fulfill themselves.

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Timeline – Flights in Dreams and in Reality (1982)

Trace every key event in Flights in Dreams and in Reality (1982) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Onset of a midlife crisis

On the eve of his fortieth birthday, Sergei Makarov begins to reflect on his life. He feels that none of his wife, mistress, work, or friends brings lasting satisfaction. The moment sets the tone for a search for meaning that runs through the film.

before his birthday
2

Realization of dissatisfaction with life

The film states that a man can achieve much at forty, yet his previous ideals lose value. Sergei feels that his life is hollow, and he is not bound to his wife except by obligation. His restlessness grows as emptiness gnaws at him.

3

Affection for Alisa

Sergei develops an attraction for a young girl named Alisa. The feeling stands in sharp contrast to his existing relationships and fuels his sense that change could be possible, even if he isn't sure what form it should take.

4

Larisa's unrequited love and a ride

Larisa, a coworker at the drawing board, loves Sergei, but he ignores her feelings. He nevertheless borrows and uses her car, knowing she would help him, highlighting his impulsive reliance on others while maintaining emotional distance.

workplace
5

Tension in the office

Sergei's supervisor, Nikolai Pavlovich, loves Larisa but does not receive reciprocation. The unspoken attraction adds to the mounting complications in Sergei's social circle and underscores the messy web of desire around him.

office
6

Alisa's suitor and the arm wrestling contest

Alisa has a boyfriend, a young man who is skilled at wooing her. He easily defeats Sergei in an arm wrestling match, illustrating Sergei's slipping edge in social and romantic arenas.

unknown
7

The birthday party confrontation

Sergei invites colleagues and his young sweetheart to his fortieth birthday party. During the party, the arm wrestling winner's confidence grows louder, and Sergei shouts 'cock-a-doodle-doo' under the table in a moment of uncontrolled impulse.

party time birthday party
8

Rush between people and strange acts

The summary describes Sergei rushing between people and performing strange acts in the hope of a life-changing moment. This depicts his relentless search for something beyond routine life, even if the actions seem erratic to those around him.

9

Kitchen verdict from the boss

In a kitchen conversation, Nicholai Pavlovich bluntly calls Sergei sick and questions his understanding of his own condition. The boss's frank words crystallize the recognition of Sergei's crisis for those around him.

kitchen
10

Confrontation with vanity

The film hints that much of what Sergei wanted was vanity and empty success. He begins to confront the hollowness of his goals as he circles between relationships and social circles.

11

Search without resolution

Despite attracting attention from Larisa and others, Sergei remains unsettled, continuing to seek change without finding a satisfying answer. His behavior mirrors the broader sense of midlife doubt that defines the story.

12

Mood of exploration and ambiguity

The summary centers on Sergei's struggle rather than a neat conclusion, leaving the audience with the sense that the midlife crisis is ongoing and unresolved. The film closes with a tone of ambiguity about what comes next.

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 14:55

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Flights in Dreams and in Reality

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